BYU’s head coach, Mark Pope, recently addressed an unusual moment during the team’s latest game. In the final minutes of a decisive victory, guard Kerr Kriisa appeared to be taking quick and frequent shots—raising eyebrows among fans and commentators. However, Pope revealed there was a deeper story behind the scene.
A Milestone in Sight
Kriisa entered the game with 997 career points, just three shy of the coveted 1,000-point milestone that defines many players’ college basketball legacies. According to Pope, the team was fully aware of this and rallied behind Kriisa to help him achieve the mark.
“The guys were all in on it,” Pope said in his post-game press conference. “They were demanding that he shoot it. It wasn’t just about the game; it was about celebrating a teammate’s journey.”
The collective effort underscores the team’s camaraderie and highlights how basketball is as much about the moments off the stat sheet as it is about the score.
The Final Push
Kriisa’s shots in the final moments didn’t find the basket, leaving him just shy of the milestone. While some might view the sequence as an unnecessary distraction, Pope saw it differently.
“It was beautiful to see the way his teammates supported him,” Pope continued. “Sometimes, these moments are bigger than basketball. The guys wanted him to have his moment, and I wanted him to have it too.”
Looking Ahead
Despite falling short in this game, Kriisa’s milestone seems inevitable. With more games ahead, his 1,000th point is likely just around the corner, and fans can expect the team to celebrate when he achieves it.
For BYU and Kriisa, the moment served as a reminder of the bond shared by teammates and the power of support within a team. While it didn’t happen this time, the energy and enthusiasm from the squad left an enduring impression on the court.
As the Cougars continue their season, this episode is sure to resonate with fans as a testament to the unity and spirit that makes college basketball special. Kriisa’s 1,000th point, when it comes, will undoubtedly be a team celebration.
